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The Balkan countries have been seeking closer integration with the EU for many years, and their perspectives on the enlargement process are multifaceted and complex as of the nineties when the region delved into armed conflicts, from the 2003 Summit in Thessaloniki where the EU leaders promised “the clear European perspective” to all the Balkans’ states. The Balkans’ economy and the EU economy are closely linked due to the region’s proximity to the EU and its efforts to join the bloc. The Balkans have undergone significant economic transformation in recent years, with many countries implementing market-oriented reforms and attracting foreign investment. However, the region still faces significant economic challenges, including high unemployment rates, low productivity, and an underdeveloped private sector.These challenges are compounded by political instability and corruption, which undermine investor confidence and hinder economic growth. 

Western Balkans is a diverse region that includes Albania, Bosnia and Herzegovina, Montenegro, North Macedonia, and Serbia. While each country has its own unique history and political context, they all share a common desire to join the European Union. The EU enlargement process has been underway since the early 2000s, and several Balkan countries have already made significant progress in their efforts to join the bloc. Croatia became the EU’s 28th Member State in 2013, and Montenegro and Serbia have both been granted candidate status. However, the process of EU enlargement has been slow and complicated, and many Balkan countries feel frustrated with the lack of progress. There are several reasons why the enlargement process has been challenging for the Balkans. First, the EU has been facing several internal challenges in recent years, including the economic crisis, Brexit, and the rise of populism and nationalism.

These challenges have made it difficult for the EU to focus on the enlargement process, and some EU member states have been reluctant to support further enlargement. Second, the Balkan countries themselves face many challenges in their efforts to join the EU. These include corruption, weak institutions, and unresolved conflicts. The EU has made it clear that these issues must be addressed before any further progress can be made. Despite these challenges, the Balkan countries remain committed to joining the EU. They see membership as a way to improve their economies, strengthen their democratic institutions, and promote regional stability and cooperation.

Many Balkan countries view EU membership as an essential step in their path towards modernization and development. They see the EU as a model for good governance, rule of law, and human rights, and they believe that membership will help them attract foreign investment, create jobs, and improve living standards. In addition to economic benefits, Balkan countries also see EU membership as a way to strengthen their democratic institutions and promote political stability. They believe that membership will help them address issues like corruption, nepotism, and political polarization, and they see EU standards as a way to ensure that their governments are accountable and transparent.

Finally, Balkan countries view EU membership as a way to promote regional stability and cooperation. They believe that EU membership will help them resolve conflicts and promote dialogue between neighboring countries. Many Balkan countries have had long-standing disputes with their neighbors, and they see EU membership as a way to overcome these tensions and promote lasting peace and cooperation. Despite the many benefits of EU membership, the Balkan countries also face several challenges in their efforts to join the bloc. One of the most significant challenges is corruption, which is a widespread problem in many Balkan countries. Corruption undermines the rule of law, distorts the economy, and erodes public trust in government institutions. Another significant challenge is the unresolved conflicts that exist in the region. For example, Kosovo’s status as an independent state is not recognized by all EU member states, which has complicated its efforts to join the bloc. Other Balkan countries also have long-standing disputes with their neighbors, which can hinder their efforts to join the EU. 

It should be noted that the EU itself faces several challenges in its efforts to expand. The EU has faced significant internal divisions over the issue of enlargement, with some member states expressing concern about the impact of further expansion on their economies and societies. There are also concerns about the ability of the EU to absorb new members and maintain its unity and cohesion. It is why the Balkans’ perspectives on the EU enlargement process are complex and multifaceted.  

Written by: Nenad Stekić